This college thing is great! You're finally away from the watchful eyes of Mom and Dad.

So why is it that Mom's voice is echoing in your head? "Never walk alone after dark." And Dad's sage advice is coming back to haunt you? "Keep your oil checked and your gas tank at least half full. I don't want you breaking down or running out of gas late at night on some strange road."

Even though you may not want to admit it, Mom and Dad knew a thing or two about keeping you safe. So do campus cops. Here are 20 helpful tips from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus police website all geared at keeping you safe - sans body guard - at school.

1. Report any unusual or suspicious activity you witness. If you witness a crime, be prepared to provide a full description.

2. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and go immediately to an area with lights and people; get help if necessary.

3. If you perceive you are in danger, yell or blow a loud whistle and look for an escape route.

4. Plan the safest route: use well-lighted, well-travelled routes. The shortest route isn't always the safest.

5. Avoid walking or running alone at night.

6. Use campus call-a-ride and courtesy escort programs rather than walking alone.

7. Walk at a steady pace with a confident stride.

8. Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you - especially if you are alone or it is dark.

9. Avoid using distracting technology such as smart phones, MP3 players, or anything else that will decrease the awareness of your surroundings.

10. Avoid intoxication. Even though you may think you're fine to walk home, being under the influence of any type of mind-altering chemical can leave you vulnerable and unaware.

11. Do not display valuables openly.

12. Be cautious around ATM machines.

13. Use locks and other security systems that are in place.

14. Have your keys ready in your hand so you can open the door to your home or car immediately.

15. Remember that property can be replaced - your life cannot. Consider whether or not to resist if a weapon is involved.

16. Learn how to defend yourself. Seek training in viable self-defense techniques.

17. Keep a list of important numbers in your phone as well as in your wallet or purse. Make sure this list includes your parents' number or numbers, 911, campus security, the campus call-a-ride or escort service, your roommate's number and your roommate's parents' number or numbers.

18. Let someone know where you are at all times, especially it you are going to be out late.

19. Write down serial numbers for items such as bikes, laptops, TVs, stereos and iPods. Also, include a list of credit card numbers and bank accounts. Be sure to put this information in a very safe place or leave it at home with your parents. This way if they are ever stolen you will at least have some chance of recovering them and bank accounts and credit cards can be shut down immediately.

20. Be careful about what you post on Facebook. Don't post information that leaves you vulnerable and never post personal information, such as phone numbers, dorm rooms or addresses. Share this information privately with well chosen friends, not hundreds of "friends of friends."